At the BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow, I attended a fascinating session titled Innovative Wings for Creative Flight: Technology in the Fashion and Style Industry, held at the Grand Hall. What stood out to me was not only the diversity of perspectives shared but also how confidently Russian fashion stakeholders are framing their industry as a vital driver of economic and cultural growth.
Despite global economic shifts and changing consumer behaviors, Russia’s fashion sector is expanding steadily. This growth, as the speakers highlighted, is pushing industrial innovation forward, whether it’s through new materials, sustainable practices, or personalization technologies that meet the expectations of today’s consumer.
One of the most compelling moments came from Veronika Levenets, Director of Endless Possibilities. She shared the story of a bionic prosthesis, designed not only for functionality but as a fashion statement; adorned with 6,000 Swarovski crystals. “This is how a brand is born,” she said, emphasizing that technology takes on real meaning only when integrated into a person’s lifestyle and identity. For me, this was a powerful reminder that fashion is not just about garments; it’s about self-expression, culture, and transformation.
The panel featured an impressive lineup of experts: Natalia Popova (Innopraktika), Alexandra Kaloshina (Solstudio Textile Group), Irina Leonova (Biotex), Vladimir Bogdanov (BASK), Arina Avdeeva (Moscow’s Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development), Darya Matsievskaya (Russian Seasons), and Ng To Chi Eric (Tessellation International Limited). Each brought a unique perspective, whether it was innovation in textiles, sustainable manufacturing, or the role of entrepreneurship in nurturing creative industries.
What resonated throughout the discussion was the idea that technology is no longer an external tool for fashion; it is becoming inseparable from design, storytelling, and brand identity. From high-tech fabrics to AI-driven personalization, the convergence of creativity and innovation is reshaping not only the industry but also consumer expectations.
For me, as someone observing from a global perspective, the session reaffirmed how fashion, often dismissed as superficial, can actually drive profound change in technology, sustainability, and even social attitudes. The Swarovski-studded prosthesis, for instance, is not just an accessory; it is a symbol of how fashion can normalize difference, inspire new narratives, and challenge our definitions of beauty.
The BRICS+ Fashion Summit has made one thing clear: in the era ahead, the brands that will thrive are those that see technology not just as function but as culture.